Does my spa pool need barriers and inspections?

These are referred to as 'small heated pools' in legislation. Some spa pools are exempt from the Building Act fencing requirements.

Fencing and inspection requirements may apply to your spa pool depending on its size.

If a spa pool's water surface area is less than 5m2, its sides are higher than 760mm above the adjacent floor or ground, and the walls of the spa pool inhibit climbing, then a lockable safety cover (with safety signage) is permitted.

A safety cover must:

• Restrict the entry of children when closed (i.e. held in place with straps fitted with lockable snap fasteners or metal padlocks.)
• Be able to withstand a reasonably foreseeable load (i.e. capable of supporting a vertical point load of 20kg.)
• Be able to be readily returned to the closed position.
• Must have signage indicating its child safety features (i.e: signage that states ‘WARNING: This spa pool cover must be kept locked except when under adult supervision’ fixed on two opposite sides of the cover.)

Otherwise, an alternative barrier and periodic inspection requirements will apply.